This blog highlights how applications built around DWF can do more than what can be done just using paper. The blog covers the building (architectural/electrical/construction), manufacturing, and infrastructure (e.g., GIS, telecommunications) industries.

November 12, 2009

Some customers chose to disable the AutoUpdate functionality in previous releases. This was a workaround if the product started up very slow, initially or even locked up.

We did take note of that when finalizing Autodesk Design Review 2010, unfortunately we did not have enough time to implement a solution for both, standalone and network deployments. In the end, only network deployments did benefit from an update.

To summarize, the AutoUpdate functionality is disabled by default in Autodesk Design Review 2010, once the application has been deployed - however, it still exists when installed as standalone application.

Users can, once more, workaround the issue by setting the following values:

InitialCheck 1

DoNotShowAgain 1

Different registry locations are applicable, so we have listed the most common ones here:

Note: It is recommended that you start the application at least once, else there is a good chance that the values of InitialCheck and DoNotShowAgain have not been created yet. If you decide to edit the registry prior to starting Autodesk Design Review 2010, you will have to create those keys manually.

Warning!Problems caused by improperly editing the Windows registry could render your computer operating system unusable. Microsoft has provided a wealth of critical information you need to know about the registry in the Microsoft Knowledge Base at http://support.microsoft.com/support.

Use the Microsoft® Registry Editor only at your own risk and only after backing up the registry as well as the system.dat and user.dat files as outlined in ARTICLE-ID: Q132332 "How to Back Up the Registry" in the Microsoft Knowledge Base. Additional information about the registry is also contained in the Help topics in the Microsoft Registry Editor.

November 02, 2009

What would you consider the top 5 reasons that made you choose Navisworks for your Construction project?

Here is our selection:

1. Easy Interactive Design Review & Visualization

The large and complex models generated for 3D building information modeling (BIM) projects are often difficult to view, explore, and analyze. Autodesk® Navisworks® 3D project review software products use innovative technology to compress files for interactive visualization and smooth real-time walk-through, so you can navigate, explore, and review even the largest and most complex 3D models on standard PCs, without having to master CAD skills or design software.

2. Design & Model Coordination in One Place

Construction professionals frequently need to visualize and coordinate designs in a single, whole-project view with other design consultants or construction disciplines. Autodesk Navisworks 3D project review software products offer compatibility with most major native design and laser-scan file formats, which means that 3D design data created in 3D BIM applications such as AutoCAD® software and Autodesk® Revit®-based products can be combined with geometry and information created with other design tools and then easily reviewed.

3. Improved Project Collaboration

Navisworks allows you to share your 3D designs with other project stakeholders and offer a single, whole-project view for review or viewing. The single Navisworks whole-project view can be published in both Autodesk Navisworks native NWD format and 3D DWF™ format, giving all stakeholders access. Autodesk Navisworks Freedom software is the free* viewer for both file types. In addition, Navisworks provides design insight and construction or operational predictability with a powerful toolkit that includes measure, mark up, and comment to aid project model understanding and analysis.

4. Save on Project Time & Costs

Autodesk Navisworks allows you to leverage your existing construction planning software to simulate time or planning schedules with 3D models to create 4D construction sequences that can highlight and resolve on-site issues. Both Navisworks Simulate and Navisworks Manage help create an easier-to-understand visual simulation of work processes by linking existing 3D model data and project schedules. In addition, Navisworks Manage can analyze any of the file formats that it can read and delivers more effective identification, inspection, and reporting of interferences in a 3D project model, which means that you can help ensure your design is issue-free before construction begins.

5. Realistic Project Visualization

Navisworks allows you and your project stakeholders to walk-through and experience designs in real-time before they are real, and to rapidly validate and present intent at the early bid or tender stage as a 3D interactive proposal. Open existing CAD or 3D files for real-time walk-through of your projects. Navisworks quickly creates high-quality rendered images and animation that you can realistically visualize and present easily in 3D. The experience can be extended, giving all stakeholders access to the whole-project view using Autodesk Navisworks Freedom software.

Do you have any questions that were not covered by the above stated content?